Software Update

Filter Select+Plus

The Filter Select+Plus program was designed to simplify the selection process for RF and microwave bandpass filters. Since filters are invariably a custom product and one size does not fit all, it was determined a tool was needed to help the user in choosing the filter best suited for his application. Supported topologies include ceramic, discrete, cavity, waveguide and tubular, and have been chosen because they encompass the broadest product areas, may be integrated into higher level assemblies and are used in military, commercial and industrial applications. The program differentiates itself from many others by offering these five filter types and an auto select mode, using insertion loss as its primary criteria.

Lorch Microwave,
Salisbury, MD (800) 780-2169.
Circle No. 310

Filter Design Software

The PCFILT is a flexible and quick filter design software which is currently available. For example, a bandpass filter can be designed in seconds, having any stopband skirt shape from low sharp to high sharp or anything in between, including arithmetically symmetrical, that is required to combine parallel-tuned and series-tuned "sections" together in the same filter. It can be done without inductor couplings as well. It is referred to as the inter-network "dual" feature. The same filter can be synthesized by specifying the number of zeros at DC and finite frequency. However, that will take a minute or so longer.

ALK Engineering,
Salisbury, MD (410) 546-5573.
Circle No. 311

Circuit Simulation and Analysis Software

The version 7.90 circuit simulation and analysis software combines an RF and analog simulation engine with analysis features. The software may be used for stand-alone simulation or as an analysis tool in standard design environments. APLAC 7.90 boasts an improved user interface that facilitates schematic creation, simulation and use of utilities. The analysis setup now includes templates and control forms with over 100 predefined simulations for circuit-specific and generic tasks. Special attention was paid to reducing memory requirements and simulation time in development of version 7.90 analysis algorithms. A connectivity tool, APLAC simulation builder, integrates the APLAC simulator with third-party design frames to enhance design workflows.

APLAC Solutions Corp.,
Helsinki, Finland +358 9 5404 5000.
Circle No. 312

IC Design System

Analog Office™ design suite is a complete IC design system that is specifically architected and optimized from the ground up for next generation analog and RFIC designs. The solution, which is focused on total RF closure, boasts a concurrent interconnect-driven and RF-aware design methodology in a unified design environment that delivers ease-of-use, interactivity and openness. The Analog Office design suite is fully integrated into existing digital and mixed signal IC design flows, and enables analog and RFIC design engineers to significantly shorten development cycles and speed wireless products to market.

Applied Wave Research Inc.,
El Segundo, CA (310) 726-3000.
Circle No. 313

Extraction and Analysis Program

SPview, a data extraction and analysis program for RF and microwave components and systems, has been enhanced with new features for the import and analysis of "load pull" data. This data is commonly used to characterize high power microwave transistors in the nonlinear region. SPview can now read the sparse data files produced from load pull test systems and produce contour maps of any of the measurements included in the data files. These maps can be used to select the best device operating conditions and matching network for high power levels. Typical data that can be mapped are output power, intermodulation distortion, adjacent carrier power ratio and gain. Another new feature in the latest release is the ability to control instrumentation through a low cost LAN connection as an alternative to the GPIB or RS232 ports.

ARK RF Systems,
Isle of Wight, UK +44 (0) 1983 400340.
Circle No. 314

Package Layout Program

NETEX-G reads the Gerber and Drill files produced by any PCB or package layout program and uses this geometry data to reconstruct the physical nets in 3D. NETEX-G creates an Ansoft Neutral File (ANF) that can be read into Ansoft's family of signal integrity tools: HFSS, Spicelink, SiWave and TPA. In addition to ANF output, NETEX-G can create a GDSII stream file that can be read into IC design software so that the chip and the IC package can be simulated as a complete system. Wire bonds are supported. The program runs on Windows NT/2000/XP.

Artwork Conversion Software,
Santa Cruz, CA (831) 426-6163.
Circle No. 315

Circuit Design Tools

GENESYS Personal is an easy and affordable way to get started with the integrated suite of GENESYS design tools. Using schematic entry, users access powerful S-parameter simulation, real-time tuning, input equations, optimization and additional features normally available only with much higher-priced solutions. GENESYS Personal includes a full set of circuit and system elements, rectangular graphs, Smith charts, polar charts and table output, and is priced at $995. GENESYS Personal comes with on-line documentation and Web-based activation delivery. Easy to learn and easy to use, GENESYS Personal is backed by Eagleware's team of engineers for prompt technical support via e-mail and the Web. To learn more about GENESYS Personal, and to compare Personal with the enhancements available with Basic, Premier and Enterprise editions of GENESYS, visit http://www.eagleware.com.

Eagleware Corp.,
Norcross, GA (678) 291-0995.
Circle No. 316

Wireless Network Library

SystemView is a wireless network library that simulates 802.11a, b, g, Bluetooth as well as ultra wide band (UWB) protocols. The new library provides the designer full support of standards specifications for each protocol (draft for 802.11g). Simulate single and multi-carrier with OFDM, CCK, OFDM-CCK, PBCC and Barker code considerations. Generate frequency hopped signals, encode, correlate, transmit and receive through the Bluetooth library. Set the frequency hop system (79, 23), state, substate and Bluetooth device address. SystemView is used to analyze bit-error-rate, multi-path signal, eye-diagram and spectral content of a wireless network device.

Elanix Inc.,
Westlake Village, CA (818) 597-1414.
Circle No. 317

Web-based Calculator Tool

Today's wired and wireless telecommunications systems utilize complex modulation schemes to securely transport vast amounts of voice and data traffic. The success of these systems depends partly on the phase noise performance of the phase lock loop (PLL) synthesizer. Hittite has introduced a new Web-based PLL phase noise calculator tool written in Java. Synthesizer designers will find this tool useful for selecting the best HMC divider, phase frequency detector and VCO product to simulate and achieve optimal PLL phase noise. The calculated output depicts the phase noise of each of the PLL elements along with the PLL synthesizer phase noise. The tool clearly shows which element contributes to the PLL noise floor versus the offset frequency. The tool was designed to be easily maintained and updated as new HMC parts are introduced.

Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343.
Circle No. 318

Web Site Tools

Design Direct is a package of Web site tools that enables a user to work with company engineers in a collaborative on-line environment. The company's designers will build a solution that is tailored to specific needs, interact with the user and create and track on-line projects. A proactive e-mail notification system will keep the user informed of the status of his or her project, providing information about any changes or updates that have been made. The user will be able to modify an existing Spectrum FSY component or create a totally new filter to fit his or her needs.

Spectrum FSY Microwave,
Columbia, MD (410) 381-5700.
Circle No. 319

Calibration Software

This SussCal® version 5.1 is calibration software that is necessary for wafer-level measurements as it provides the interface between the VNA and the probe station, simplifying and automating the task of wafer-level calibration. VNAs have good calibration methods for coaxial and waveguide applications, but lack the flexibility and intricacy necessary for wafer-level measurements. The calibration process removes the effects of systematic errors inherent in all VNAs ensuring accurate and repeatable measurements. SussCal calibration software extends the function of the VNA performing unique advanced LRM+ and SOLR calibrations, as well as the industry standard calibrations SOLT, TRL and LRM.

SUSS MicroTec Test Systems GmbH,
Sacka/Dresden, Germany +011 49 35240730.
Circle No. 320

Web-based Drawing Tool

TRU Draw™, a Web-based drawing tool for the RF interconnect industry, allows users to e-mail designs and changes to engineers instantaneously. Located on the TRU Web site (www.trucorporation.com), TRU Draw is a straightforward, step-by-step application that allows engineers to quickly identify connector and/or cable assembly requirements, and with the click of a mouse submit them to TRU sales and technical staff for price and delivery. A company engineer will review the customization request and respond within 24 hours. Whether looking for a simple adaptation of a standard part or developing new technology, TRU Draw means better communication, greater accuracy and quick turnaround times.